Srinagar, Dec 17 (IANS): At minus 6.4 and 3 degrees Celsius, Srinagar and Jammu cities on Thursday witnessed the coldest night of the season so far, while the Drass town in Ladakh recorded minus 26.5.

"These are the lowest minimum temperatures recorded in these two cities this season so far. Drass town was the coldest place among the two union territories.

"No major snowfall is expected to occur in these UTs till the year end although light rain/snowfall is likely to occur between December 21 and 22, an official of the MET department said.

Pahalgam recorded minus 8.9 and Gulmarg minus 11.0 as the night's lowest temperature in the valley.

Leh in Ladakh was at minus 16.1 and Kargil minus 16.4.

In Jammu region, Katra recorded 3 degrees Celsius as well, Batote minus 1.2, Bannihal minus 2.6 and Bhaderwah minus 3.3.

The 40-day long period of harsh winter called the 'Chillai Kalan' begins on December 21 and will end on January 31.

Major snowfall during the Chillai Kalan replenishes the perennial water reservoirs of J&K and Ladakh.

The meltdown from these reservoirs sustain various rivers, streams, lakes and springs during the hot summer months.